Hartley's Hound's

31/03/2024

Easter project looking good 😍

16/03/2023

Just had to share this!
Our lovely dachshunds😍

21/01/2022

21/01/2022

Lot 2 great to be back after the Christmas break just a few of our lovely day care dogs

21/01/2022

Lot 1

13/09/2021

Hi all.
As most of you are aware we had our licence inspection last week and today we received the good news that we have been awarded 5 stars(highest rating possible)

We are Extremely happy with this and will continue to offer the best service we can and continue our high standards.

Many thanks all (pic for attention 🤣)

08/02/2021

This last week I have had several clients working though issues that are at least partly caused by ‘ The Tennis Ball Launcher’ or flanger, wanger, flingy thingy or whatever it is you call it.

Throwing a ball is something that many if not all pet dogs owners engage in at some point, if not on a regular basis.

Quite rightly, concerns within the veterinary and behavioural professions have been raised about the mental and physical impact the launcher can have on dogs.

For me, it’s the levels of excitement and arousal these games create. The increased arousal can involve increased heart rate and adrenaline levels. Adrenaline itself should be released in short bursts, such as during a one off during a chase , but repeated ‘throw it, chase it, catch it means Adrenalin is released for much longer periods.

Repetitive chasing in this way is not a natural behaviour for any dog.

This increase of Adrenalin in turn causes an increase in cortisol levels, and can lead to ‘frantic’ behaviours as a result of reduced impulse control and frustration tolerance. Cortisol levels take a good few days days to return to normal.

Adrenaline and cortisol both play a role in the regulation of behaviour. Promoting increased production of both over a long term period can trigger problematic and behaviours. No ‘off switch’, lack of frustration tolerance and general erratically behaviour.

Due to this ( and because they are being conditioned to behave in a certain way to get their ‘reward’ )you may find your dog plays ‘keep away’ and wants to be ahead of you to the distance where they usually have their ball thrown.

They will possibly struggle to walk beside you ( want to be ahead of you)

They cannot calm down or exhibit any self control around a ball or in the place you usually throw it.

If the potential behavioural issues are not enough to help you ditch the ball thrower, the physical impact of using one can be immense.

High speed impact, uncontrolled twists and turns, rotatory force on joints etc can cause a multitude of injuries. Let’s be honest, how many times is the dog even ‘warmed up’ before embarking on such vigorous exercise?

There is soooo much more you can do with a ball or toy to work your dog mentally and physically. You can, if needed use them in certain situations if your dog is happy to wait calmly by your side. However you may find they need a ball detox for a few weeks prior to using it in a new way ☺️

01/02/2021

Just a few from last week